[1649/1/167]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
Upon his majesty's resolution to come to Scotland, it seems expedient for preventing jealousies and misconstructions that he emits a declaration to show the reasons which invited his majesty to come here, as because it could not be safe for him to go to England, where his royal father suffered imprisonment and death by a prevalent army and faction who have usurped all power which they maintain still in their hands by the sword. Nor could his majesty proceed to England in relation to that power which acts now in place of his houses of parliament, most part of the members being violently restrained or chased away, and those who remain being under the leash and overawed by the face of an imperious army, having, contrary to their duty and many oaths and declarations, cast off monarchy and that fundamental government under which that kingdom lived so many ages in peace and plenty. Neither was it agreeable or fit that his majesty should go to his kingdom of Ireland, in respect of the present distractions and great distempers which are in that kingdom and the misconstructions which might arise upon his majesty's going there. Therefore, that his majesty may have the better opportunity to give real evidence of his pious and princely care of the good and safety of his people and love to peace, has upon mature and serious deliberation resolved to go to his ancient kingdom of Scotland, from where he intends to send such messages to his houses of parliament and kingdom of England as may contribute most for settling religion with a just and lasting peace and put an end to the distractions and troubles of his distressed kingdoms.